Chapter 91 — Gathering Storms
Time passed quietly…
On the second day, a shocking piece of news spread from the Heaven Dou Empire.
The Heaven Dou Auction House would soon auction an immortal herb—
One that was extremely beneficial to treasure-type martial souls.
It could even allow a martial soul to evolve.
In just a short time, the news spread across the entire empire.
And when people thought of treasure-type martial souls—
Everyone immediately thought of one:
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, known as the number one support martial soul on the continent.
But despite its overwhelming support capabilities, it had a fatal flaw.
It only had seven layers.
And its soul masters could only cultivate up to Level 79.
If this news were true—
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would go insane.
And indeed…
They already had.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
Not far from Heaven Dou City, atop a mountain, stood countless buildings shaped like pagodas.
This was the sect's headquarters.
Inside the main hall—
Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, along with Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo, were deep in discussion.
Ning Fengzhi sat at the head.
He had long black hair, wore a silver crown, and was dressed in white robes.
His appearance was refined and elegant—like a true scholar.
To his right sat Sword Douluo, Chen Xin.
Dressed in plain white with no ornamentation, he nonetheless radiated a sharp presence.
Even sitting still, he felt like an unsheathed divine sword—impossible to ignore.
Beside him was Bone Douluo.
Clad in black robes, his face was gaunt.
His physique wasn't muscular—but his skeletal frame was enormous.
It was as if his clothes were supported entirely by bones.
Sunken eyes, withered flesh—
At night, he would look like a towering skeleton.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone—this is the message from the imperial family. Take a look."
Suppressing his excitement, Ning Fengzhi handed them the letter.
After reading it, the two exchanged glances.
Sword Douluo spoke first,
"Fengzhi, since the imperial family confirmed it, it's likely true."
"When the auction begins, we'll accompany you."
Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"Then I'll trouble you both."
Bone Douluo chuckled.
"What are you saying? If your strength improves, it benefits us too."
Then he glanced at Chen Xin with a teasing grin.
"Isn't that right, you old sword freak?"
Sword Douluo immediately rolled up his sleeves.
"Old bones, talk properly! Why are you picking a fight with me?"
"I think your bones are itching again—you need a beating!"
"Come on then! You think I'm afraid of you?"
"Let's go outside! If I don't beat you till your teeth scatter, I'll take your surname!"
And just like that—
The two actually walked out to fight.
Watching their backs, Ning Fengzhi could only sigh helplessly.
The two had known each other long before joining the sect.
They had been rivals their entire lives.
And since their strengths were nearly equal—
Neither would ever accept the other.
Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda…
Could the legend… really be true?
With excitement in his heart, Ning Fengzhi left the hall.
Spirit Hall
Though far from the Heaven Dou Empire, the news quickly reached Spirit Hall through its branch temples.
Inside the Papal Hall—
Bibi Dong sat upon her throne.
Below her stood Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.
"You've heard the news?" she asked.
Ghost Douluo's cold voice echoed,
"Yes, Your Holiness."
"But the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda hasn't evolved in all these years."
"And now a single herb can do it?"
"That's hard to believe."
Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled faintly, fingers poised delicately.
"That just means your knowledge is limited."
"I happen to know of an immortal herb called Beautiful Silk Tulip."
"It's extremely beneficial to treasure-type martial souls."
"Even causing evolution wouldn't be surprising."
He then explained everything he knew about immortal herbs.
After listening, Bibi Dong rested her chin on her hand.
"So… this is likely true."
After a brief silence, she gave her orders:
"You two will go to Heaven Dou City."
"Do not let the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect obtain that herb."
"If possible, buy it—even if it costs heavily."
"If not… look for an opportunity to seize it."
"If there's no chance, withdraw."
This matter could be minor—
Or extremely serious.
At worst, the sect would simply grow stronger.
But at best—
If the martial soul evolved beyond its limits…
Ning Fengzhi might break past Level 79.
With his talent, reaching Title Douluo wouldn't be impossible.
A support-type Title Douluo—
Combined with Sword and Bone Douluo—
Would become a massive obstacle to her plans of ruling the continent.
So—
It had to be stopped before it even began.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo bowed.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
"We will depart immediately."
As they turned to leave, Bibi Dong added calmly:
"The Consecrator Hall may also intervene."
"If necessary—cooperate with them."
Consecrator Hall
Atop a mountain, within the sacred hall—
Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo were also discussing the matter.
Qian Daoliu sat before a divine statue.
Slowly opening his eyes, he said,
"Whether true or not, send the Sixth and Seventh to investigate."
"You need not go."
"Otherwise, people may say Spirit Hall bullies the weak."
Golden Crocodile frowned slightly but still nodded and left.
Inwardly, he felt dissatisfied.
If he went—
Wouldn't success be guaranteed?
What he didn't know…
Was that Qian Daoliu had long withdrawn from worldly affairs.
The reason?
His fate was already decided.
When Qian Renxue, the chosen successor of the Angel God, fully matured—
He would die.
Because of this—
Very little in the world still mattered to him.
Except…
His honor.
And Spirit Hall's reputation.
There was a saying:
"Unfazed even if shattered to pieces—so long as one's name remains pure."
Qian Daoliu had maintained his image for decades.
He wouldn't ruin it now—
Not when his end was near.
Many in the outside world didn't understand why he had spared the Clear Sky Sect.
Some even believed he feared Tang Chen.
What a joke.
When Tang Chen was alive, they were rivals.
Even if Qian Daoliu was slightly weaker—
Fear had never been part of it.
And now?
Tang Chen had been missing for years—possibly dead.
Why would he fear a ghost?
No—
He had simply lost the desire to fight.
Because he already knew—
How his story would end.
[End of Chapter 91]